As winter sets in, it’s time to ensure your furnace is in its best shape. A well-maintained furnace will not only keep your house warm but also help cut down energy bills, prolong the life of equipment, and minimize the chances of breakage.
Here are some steps you need to take to get your furnace ready for the winter:
1. Scheduling a Professional Inspection
Seasonal maintenance involves scheduling a professional inspection, as HVAC technicians are usually the only ones to identify minor issues not recognizable by homeowners. These problems include worn-out parts, which may hide from you initially and cause significant problems. Some examples include unclean burners and heat exchangers, incorrect thermostat settings, loose electrical contacts and improper ventilation around the installed furnace. Scheduling this check at the beginning of fall ensures you have a fully prepared furnace going into substantial temperature drops.
For example, suppose you know your furnace is not working and needs repair. In that case, you can search the internet using keywords such as “furnace repair Oshawa,” if you live in the area, to find the best repair facilities in your city and the one most feasible for you.
2. Servicing and Cleaning Air Filters
Among the most frequent causes of furnace inefficiency, one can identify dirty air filters as a probable cause. When the filter is clogged, it limits the amount of air that reaches the furnace, so the furnace has to work harder to control the temperature. The consequences of dirty air filters include increased energy consumption, overheating and, in extreme cases, damage to the furnace.
For most systems, you should replace your filters once every one to three months. The frequency of replacing filters also depends on your use and the type of filter used in your furnace. Another helpful tip is upgrading to a high-efficiency filter, for instance, a HEPA filter, to improve the air quality inside the house.
3. Checking the Thermostat for Proper Working
The thermostat is the control unit of your heating system. If it’s not functioning well, your furnace won’t work correctly. To ensure that the thermostat is working properly, you should:
- Calibrate: Check whether your thermostat is reading temperature accurately. If you feel a discrepancy, recalibrate or replace it.
- Use programmable models: Upgrade to a programmable or smart thermostat for precise control over heating schedules, which can save energy and money.
4. Inspect and Clean Vents and Ducts
Blocked or dirty vents and ducts can compromise the efficiency of your heating system. For the vents, you must inspect all supply and return vents for furniture or curtains obstructing them. Dusting your vents can also enhance airflow. For the ducts, you should check if dust, debris, or mold accumulates in your ductwork over time. You can use vacuuming for basic cleaning, but professional duct cleaning is necessary every few years for maximum efficiency.
5. Ensuring Proper Ventilation
Furnaces produce heat from burning a fuel source, meaning that one of their combustion outputs is carbon monoxide (CO). Proper ventilation ensures your home does not become toxic with such dangerous CO buildups. These buildups are also possible in flue pipes. You should check the exhaust pipes to ensure they are correctly attached and free from cracks and blockages. You should also install a CO detector near your furnace and beds and regularly test the installed detector’s working.
6. Perform a Test Run
Turn on your furnace well before the heating season begins, allowing it to make a few test runs. Listen to unusual noises, such as banging or rattling, and look for unusual odours. Doing this lets you identify defects beforehand and avoid emergency repairs in the cold winter months.
7. Sealing Air Leaks
Check your home for air leaks and seal gaps around windows, doors, and ducts using weatherstripping or caulking to maximize the efficiency of your heating system. These steps ensure that warm air stays inside and does not burden your furnace.
Endnote
Taking precautionary steps and checking different features of your furnace and environment can help you identify faults earlier. You can ensure your heating system works perfectly throughout winter by implementing seasonal furnace maintenance tips like sealing air leaks and inspecting and cleaning air ducts. Performing proper maintenance enhances safety and comfort but also helps you save money and prolongs the lifespan of your furnace, a worthy investment in your home’s comfort and safety.
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